Gilgit-Baltistan, formerly known as the Northern Areas is a region that attracts the world of mountaineers, trekkers, holidaymakers and fun lovers. The region is home to five of the fourteen eight thousanders and dozens of peaks above 7,000 metres besides the unbelievable and beautiful Deosai Plains. The region is also home to the near extinct Snow Leopard, the Brown Bears of Deosai and Marcopolo sheep, besides many other species of beautiful animals and birds.
Spread over an area of some 72,971 square kilometres, Gilgit-Baltistan borders Pakistan's Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province to the west, Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor to the north, China to the east and northeast, Azad Kashmir to the southwest, and Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir to the southeast. The region is a meeting point of three great mountain ranges; namely the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Pamir. I have already shared many posts about the Karakoram, the eight thousanders and the breathtaking virgin lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Recently, I came across a pictorial representation of the area by Habib Shakir, who had gone along with his classmates on a study tour to various areas of Gilgit - Baltistan. Herein under find some of the spectacular shots by Shakir and appreciate the natural beauty, people and animals specific to Gilgit-Baltistan.
Snow clad mountains of Hunza
Kharfaq Lake (above and below) is situated about 3 K ms above Kharfaq village and gives an inspiring view while traveling by road to Khaplu. At the height of 13,000 ft The climb is quite tough, you will fine a beautiful lake The fresh and crystal water lake is famous for trout fish and attractive location for camping and linking with other places. The lake is stocked with trout. Over 10 lb trout can be found in this lake fish and one has to walk about 2 -3 hours to reach the lake. A jeep road is under construction.
The Shangri La resort at Sadpara Lake, Skardu
Trout - a specialty of cold waters of rivers and streams of the region can be bought from the road side sellers
The village children
The big horned black Yak like Khiak, native of snow covered mountains of Gilgit - Baltistan
Two Balti children dressed in exotic traditional dress 
These hanging bridges are a common site over rivers and streams all over the region
Finally a video by Amjad Sultan Baig that gives a bird's eye view of Gilgit-Baltistan
Photos Courtesy: Habib Shakir
Video Courtesy: Amjad Sultan Beaig
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